Over the past 48 hours, OM has experienced some internal shocks linked to the situation of Jean-Pierre Papin. If the 1991 Ballon d'Or simply pointed the finger at Ali Zarrak, the head of Pro 2, some media have, as is often the case, extrapolated, explaining that the relationship between JPP and Roberto De Zerbi was not in good shape, no. more.
“Everything that is said is false”
Information firmly denied by the Italian coach at a press conference this Friday. “ Everything that is said is false, these are invented remarks, I have always had excellent relations with Jean-Pierre Papin. It's true that lately, we haven't seen each other much because we have training at different times, but there is still a very good relationship. He is someone that I respect first of all because he was here before me, because of his history as a player and the great history that he was able to have with this club, also because of his age. It's someone who is older than me. And because, generally speaking, I respect people. It's not just because it was Jean-Pierre Papin, it could have been The Gardener, it could have been someone who simply worked here. That's it, I always greeted everyone and honestly, I was stunned when I heard about it. I find it quite disrespectful to have written this kind of comment, since I have always tried to be as respectful as possible towards you, towards the press“, he insisted.
And the native of Brescia continued: “ I think it is justifiable that we can write that OM is playing badly, that OM is not first in the standings, that we played badly against PSG or against Strasbourg. But I, as a person, think that I have done nothing to deserve to find myself at the heart of controversies like that. There, I told you, I respect you and I have always respected you. So, if it's to criticize, to talk about my work, it's normal, I accept it, but as a person I would really like to be left alone because I don't think I deserve it and I'm happy that Jean-Pierre was also able to deny what was said because I repeat, I really have no problem with anyone, neither with him, nor with anyone else here at the Commanderie until now and if It had to happen, I would be the first to let you know. So I demand that there be respect towards me.«
This has the merit of being clear.
